"Learning Through Play, Exploration, and Experience" 2018-19 PARENT HANDBOOK AUMC Weekday Preschool AUMC Early Learning Program 6935 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 703-256-1100 703-256-8667 FAX: 703-914-8896 WPS website: http://annandalechurch.com/wps/ ELP website: http://annandalechurch.com/elp/ 1 Thank you for choosing The AUMC Weekday Preschool and Early Learning Programs! Welcome to a new year of learning through play and exploration. We appreciate you entrusting us with your child. We recognize that while some may be returning to build on last year’s experience, others may be new to our community, or facing the first separation of child and family. We assure you that we will support and encourage you and your child in this exciting experience of learning through enriched and facilitated play. Thank you for sharing your child with us. Our partnership will form a foundation for the way your child views learning and new challenges. Our staff looks forward to working cooperatively with you to make this the best possible experience for you, your child, and your family. 2 Weekday Preschool & Early Learning Program SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION: Weekday Preschool Early Learning Program Annandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 703-256-1100 or 703-256-8667 www.annandale-umc.org Select “Preschool Programs” in upper right OFFICE HOURS: Monday 8:30AM – 3:30PM Tuesdays–Thursdays – 8:30AM – 5:30PM Friday 8:30AM – 12:30PM ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Director – Cherrie Welch [email protected] Assistant Director – Michelle Shepard [email protected] Office Manager – Ann Marie Brown [email protected] Business Manager – Mary Harris Executive Director of Weekday Children’s Programs – Angela Wilmore 3 WEEKDAY PRESCHOOL & EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM OVERVIEW Welcome – 2 School Contact Information – 3 Office Hours – 3 Administrative Staff – 3 Pastor’s Welcome – 7 . AUMC Mission Statement – 8 AUMC Philosophy Statement – 9 Principles of Learning – 10 Curriculum – 10-11 Licensure/Class Ratio Charts – 11 Accreditation – 12 Assessment – 12 Children With Special Needs – 12 Administration – 13 Faculty – 13 Campus – 13 REGISTRATION AND WITHDRAWAL Registration – 14 Withdrawals – 14 FINANCIAL INFORMATION Monthly Tuition – 15 Fees – 15 Discount – 15 Financial Assistance – 15 YOUR CHILD’S DAY Calendar – 16 Hours – 16 Inclement Weather Policy – 16 Remind Emergency Alert System for Parents -- 17 Transportation – 18 Parking & Gate Closures – 18 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures – 18-19 4 HEALTH AND EMERGENCIES Health Forms – 19 General Health Rules – 20 Notification of Absence – 20 Drop-in Program – 21 Security and Emergency Preparedness – 21 POLICIES & PROCEDURES Confidentiality – 22 Diapering/Toilet Training – 22 Clothing and Supplies – 23 Tote Bags – 23 Lunch – 23 Snacks – 23 Rest Time – 24 Sharing Time and Take Home Bags – 24 Behavior Guidance – 24 Challenging Behaviors – 25-26 Biting Policy – 26 Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect – 26 Outdoor Play Guidelines - 27 Photograph Policy – 27 PARENTS & FAMILIES Communication with Families – 28 Visits and Volunteering – 29 Parent-Teacher Conferences – 29 Parent Education – 29 Parent Grievance Policy – 30 Paid Parent Substitutes – 30 SCHOOL CALENDAR – 31 APPENDIX i. Playground & Campus Expectations for Non-School Hours – 32-33 ii. Policies for Snacks, Lunches, and Treats Brought From Home – 34-35 iii. Emergency Preparedness Plan- 36-39 iv. WPS and ELP Sample Enrollment Agreements – 40-43 v. Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment System Goals and Objectives – 44-45 Parent/Guardian Agreement Signature Page – 47 5 …where learning is fun! 6 Annandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 Phone: 703-256-8330 FAX: 703-914-8896 [email protected] www.annandale-umc.org Welcome WPS and ELP Families! As the pastors here at Annandale United Methodist Church [AUMC], we are thrilled to welcome you to our school community. It’s no small gesture to trust us with your child’s safety and development. On behalf of the congregation, church staff, and teachers, we want you to know how humbled we are by your trust and how seriously we take that responsibility. We also want you to know that this is only one of the ways Annandale Church seeks to serve its population and, in particular, the children and youth of our community. How much or how little you choose to participate in the larger life of the church is entirely up to you. All are welcome, always. AUMC is a vibrant and diverse faith community. We work to extend God’s grace through our worship, our children’s programs, our youth programs, our hands-on missions, and our service projects within our community. If you’re looking for more information, check out website at www.annandale-umc.org to learn more about us, our programs, listen to sermons, or to find upcoming events. If you’re interested in getting more involved or finding out how to join the church, give us a holler. Thanks! Jason Micheli, Senior Pastor [email protected] Chenda Innis Lee, Associate Pastor [email protected] Peter Kwon, Associate Pastor [email protected] Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh, Director of Children’s Ministries [email protected] 7 Annandale United Methodist Church Weekday Children’s Programs Mission Statement As a mission of Annandale United Methodist Church, the Weekday Children’s Programs purpose is to provide an enriching educational environment for young children and their families, one that fosters a love of learning, awareness of self and others, and a sense of accomplishment built on a child’s natural curiosity. We are committed to creating communities for children, families, and staff that: are safe and nurturing enhance positive growth, development, and self-esteem provide developmentally appropriate, stimulating, and creative curriculum respect and accept people of all cultures, religions, abilities, genders, ages, family structures, and sexual orientation Our ultimate goal is to assist children in developing into happy, healthy, self-confident individuals. 8 Annandale United Methodist Church Weekday Children’s Programs Philosophy Statement As a mission of Annandale United Methodist Church, the Weekday Children’s Programs believe that early childhood programs involve a community of learners with a commitment to the education of young children. We are dedicated to providing the best possible environment for the education and development of young children. The guiding principles that underscore our commitment to all young children are: Young children learn and construct knowledge as a result of meaningful and purposeful experiences. Young children reach different levels of learning and development at different times. Learning in the early childhood years develops on a continuum. Learning is both individual and social and takes place within a social/cultural context. Play is an integral part of quality programs serving young children. Skills and concepts are developed and enhanced through child-initiated and teacher- initiated activities. Programs for young children must provide opportunities for individual activities and flexible groupings. There must be exposure to a print-rich environment, which facilitates literacy development. The dignity of young children and their personal circumstances and diversity must be respected and affirmed. Families of young children are essential partners in the educational process. Children are best served in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Developmentally appropriate assessment of young children's learning is essential for planning and implementing appropriate curriculum and celebrating children's learning. Program practices for young children must reflect sound research and findings about young children and learning. The early childhood years are very special because children make such great developmental strides and become increasingly independent. Improvements are continually evident in emotional growth, social skills, verbal communication, intellectual awareness and physical capabilities. In recognition of the crucial importance of these early years, we strive to create a program that is tailored to meet the needs of the whole child. The lesson plans developed by each teacher cover all areas of importance to the children’s growth. The program is designed to provide children with ample opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and become comfortable in their expanding world. 9 PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING The Weekday Preschool (WPS) and Early Learning Program (ELP) philosophy of "learning through play, exploration, and experience" is based upon the theory that discovery through play is the most natural and effective method of learning for young children. WPS and ELP provide an atmosphere of love and acceptance and offer many varied experiences in which children learn to play and work with others. The program is structured to give each child the opportunity to explore, experience, and socialize through activities such as storytelling, role-playing, music & movement, arts & crafts, free-choice interest areas, and a combination of teacher-directed and child-centered activities. The WPS and ELP staff treats each child with respect for his/her capabilities and development and to foster self-esteem, self-confidence, independence, and social skills. As part of the Annandale United Methodist Church's outreach to the community, the ELP operates a five-hour program with early morning and late day options for children ages 1 to 3 years old. WPS offers a morning